Olympics : Israel's Bobsled Team Withdraws Amid Lineup Controversy

Israel withdraws its four-man bobsled team from the Milan Cortina Olympics. The Israeli Olympic Committee pulls AJ Edelman's sled after a disputed lineup change. Officials cite concerns over the team’s attempt to swap push athletes between heats. They state the request "does not meet the standards expected of Olympic athletes." Changing athletes mid-competition is strictly regulated, permitted only for illness or injury.

Edelman admits the team sought a replacement for the final run but acknowledges they did not meet the necessary criteria. The sled finished last among 24 competitors in the initial runs. The team’s withdrawal is viewed as a suspension, with the Israeli Olympic Committee condemning any deviation from Olympic values. Only the top 20 sleds advance to the fourth heat, and Edelman’s team was unlikely to qualify.